Project Servator is a policing tactic that aims to deter, detect and disrupt a range of criminal activity, including terrorism, while providing a reassuring presence for the public. It is used by a number of UK police forces.

The approach relies on police working with the community – businesses, partners and members of the public – to build a network of vigilance and encourage suspicious behaviour and activity to be reported.

What will I see?

Project Servator involves police carrying out highly visible and unpredictable deployments that can happen anywhere at any time.

These are made up of a range of resources. Some are highly visible, such as uniformed police officers, dogs and horses, armed officers and vehicle checkpoints. Others are less visible, such as plain clothes officers, Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) and CCTV operators.

Police officers specially-trained to identify individuals who may have criminal intent are also involved. They are able to spot the tell-tale signs that someone may be carrying out hostile reconnaissance – the planning they need to do before carrying out criminal activity, including terror attacks. Police forces also work together to carry out joint deployments.

If a Project Servator deployment pops up in your area, it’s likely that one of the officers involved will speak to you to let you know what they are doing and ask for your help to be their extra eyes and ears. Please feel free to chat to them.

How can I help?

You know your neighbourhood, your route to work, the parks, shops and places you often visit, better than anyone. You can help by: